Sydney coach John Longmire says the Swans need to be mentally stronger and kick straighter if they are to upset St Kilda in Sunday's AFL clash at ANZ Stadium.

The Swans' capitulation to Richmond last weekend probably ended their hopes of hosting a final.

And if they can't see off the challenge of the improving Saints, they could miss the top eight altogether.

"We've got to bring our intensity, our tackle effectiveness, the basics of our game have got to be up this week," Longmire said on Friday.

"It's crucial for all of our leaders and experienced players that we really show the way.

"For the majority of the year they've been pretty good, but we were all disappointed last week."

That disappointment applied specifically to Sydney's pressure skills and their goalkicking, which produced a wasteful return of 7.14 in the 43-point loss to the Tigers.

"One of our biggest issues for most of the year has been our conversion and our lack of ability to be able to kick straight," said Longmire.

"We haven't been good at that all year. We keep working at it, but we've got to keep getting better at it.

"It becomes as much of a mental challenge as it is a physical challenge and a technique challenge."

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